I am purchasing a property mortgage free in Southampton. I have resided for the last twelve years in Southampton. Conveyancing searches are exorbitant. Given that I know the area and road very well should I not bother getting the solicitor to do all the conveyancing searches?
Provided that you do not need a home loan, then the vast majority of the Southampton conveyancing searches are optional. Your lawyer will ’encourage you, perhaps strongly, that you should have searches carried out, but he is duty bound to do this. One thing to bear in mind; if you are intend to dispose of the house in the future, it may be of interest to your prospective purchaser what the searches determine. There are plenty of instances where premises with apparent issues can still throw up unpredicted search results. A competent conveyancing solicitor in Southampton will be able to give you some helpful guidance concerning this.
How up to date is your database of Southampton solicitors on the HSBC conveyancing panel? Do HSBC send you an updated list?
Southampton conveyancing firms themselves provide us confirmation that they are on the HSBC conveyancing panel as opposed to being supplied with a list from HSBC directly.
I am about to put an offer on a leasehold flat in Southampton. The selling agents assure me that it is usual for flats in Southampton to have less than 75 years left on the lease. I am getting a mortgage with Accord Mortgages. Will the property be mortgageable given that the lease has 69 years left.
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are getting a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Accord Mortgages have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 28/5/2025 the requirements read as follows :
How does conveyancing in Southampton differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Southampton contact us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is finished. This is because new home sellers in Southampton tend to purchase the land, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are used to new build conveyancing in Southampton or who has acted in the same development.
How does the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 impact my business premises in Southampton and how can you help?
The 1954 Act gives protection to business lessees, granting the legal entitlement to apply to court for a continuation of occupancy when the lease reaches an end. There are certain specified grounds that a landlord can refuse a lease renewal and the rules are complicated. Fees are different for commercial conveyancing. Southampton is one of our numerous locations in which our lawyers are based
What is the difference between surveying and conveyancing in Southampton?
Conveyancing - in Southampton or elsewhere - is the process of legally transferring legal title of property from one person to another. It therefore includes the checking of the title. Whether buying or selling, you should be aware of anything affecting the property such as proposals by government departments, illegal buildings, or outstanding rates. The conveyancer should conduct the appropriate searches and inquiries on the property. Surveying relates to the structure of a property itself. A surveyor will look at a house, flat and any outbuildings you’re purchasing and will help you find out about the condition of the building and, if there are problems, give you a powerful reason for negotiating the buying price down or asking the seller to remedy the defects prior to you complete your move.